Once again, Mother has rejected my entreatment to learn Truthsaying. She insists that it is a discipline that must be earned, not given. However, I suspect her refusal stems more from a desire to protect her daily deceptions. Does she think I am a fool?

It’s no wonder our Sisterhood is feared and loathed as witches. We go to great lengths to obscure our actions and intentions, yet we are quick to use our preternatural abilities to shock others and maintain an aura of fear.

I remember seeing Mother use the Voice as a child and how terrifying it was. I still get caught off-guard and find myself flinching at its use—and I am very familiar with its employment. Imagine seeing that without any comprehension of what you were looking upon. I would run too.

You must understand, Ariste, that while we do attempt to influence genetic evolution, we only do it to achieve true and lasting human supremacy. Anything less is an existential risk to our very existence. We face inevitable genetic de-evolution if we do not separate true humans from animals.

That is why our faufreluches are so important. Our feudal system's emphasis on pure bloodlines and ancient genealogy allows our breeding program and arranged marriages to produce heirs fit to rule us in the challenging times ahead.

And before you protest, yes, that does include your ill-fated betrothal to Feyd Rautha. As difficult as it was for you to countenance, your matching was based on careful genealogical research and political considerations. Love or revulsion, for that matter, has little relevance to the matter.

Kwisatz Mother,

The fires of war burn low, but the embers remain hot. It would take a small thing for the conflagration to reignite. Feyd Rautha believes his betrothed was removed to the Mother School on Wallach IX, but Sister Ariste remains here on Arrakis. I believe there is still a match to be made between them — as impossible as that seems.

I have enjoyed many High Teas with Sister Ariste. I believe her attraction to Feyd was unexpected but very real before the unfortunate business. What's more, I believe the Na-Baron regrets his actions and wishes to reconcile. I'm told the Baron is furious at his brooding.

While our plans are delayed, they are not thwarted. The union between Ariste Atreides and Feyd Rautha Harkonnen will produce the culmination of many generations of careful breeding. Our ultimate goal is at hand.